Headlights causing battery drain while driving?
Hi:
Though your car seems fine without using the headlights, you have a charging problem, and need to get a couple things checked out. First make sure your battery connections are clean and tight. Your alternator belt should also be checked to make sure it is serviceable and properly tightened too. Your alternator should be checked under load, and lastly, your battery too. Most auto parts stores, such as auto zone,will check your parts for free,so you should only be spending money on what is broken!
I have my multimeter hooked up to the car battery, but we originally found the problem by the battery going dead while my son was driving home from work. The battery light never came on at all, even when the multimeter is saying its not charging.
Thanks for everyone's help. It was a loose belt. The belt never made a noise but I guess it was stretched out so bad that it was slipping. Thanks again!!
One Always Assumes that the Small Stuff has Been Eliminated
While Charging Whats the Voly Reading,??
Have you tried a FULL FIELD Test When The Lights Etc are On
Get Back with Me When after tis TEST
Remove protective cover from alternator end cover. Perform full field test by inserting a suitable tool into full field access hole located on end cover, Figs. 8 & 9. When alternator is in full field, system voltage will rise quickly.Do not allow voltage to exceed 18 volts or damage to electrical system may result. Note tester amperage readings with alternator in full field. If readings are now within specification, replace voltage regulator. If readings are still not within specification, replace alternator
Tough one! Is the alternator belt slipping possibly, did you replace it yourself?? I'd start by looking at that. I'll ask around too!
:0)
PS. How do you know it's charging when nothing else is on??
How can you tell if it stops charging? Does the vehicle shut off or is it just the guage that indicates that it is not charging, or does the battery go dead?
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